Does the Quran Say That the Earth is Round or Flat?

Introduction

The Arabic language is a vast ocean of vocabulary and expressions, carrying within it a cultural and historical richness that is unparalleled. It is one of the oldest living languages, and it is the language in which the Holy Quran was revealed, a linguistic and literary miracle. However, understanding this profound language requires study and depth, as many people, even those who speak Arabic, sometimes find themselves distanced from the classical form due to the prevalence of colloquial dialects that vary from country to country.

The limited understanding of many individuals, even among Arabs themselves, of the Arabic language can be attributed to several factors. With the increasing use of local dialects, some may struggle to grasp the precise meanings of classical words and expressions. Additionally, education in some countries may focus on certain aspects of the language, leading to a lack of comprehensive understanding of grammar and vocabulary. This gap in understanding can lead to misinterpretations of important texts, including those found in the Quran.

Understanding the Quranic Perspective on the Shape of the Earth

The Quran contains several verses that can be interpreted as indicating the roundness of the Earth or reflecting natural phenomena that suggest this. Below are some of these verses along with their explanations:

1. The Alternation of Night and Day

“يُكَوِّرُ الليل على النهار ويُكَوِّرُ النهار على الليل” (الزمر: 5)

This verse refers to the alternation of night and day, which occurs due to the Earth’s rotation on its axis. The term “يُكَوِّرُ” (to roll) implies that night and day follow each other in a circular manner, indicating that the Earth is not flat but spherical. This phenomenon can only be observed on a spherical surface, where one side experiences daylight while the other is in darkness.

2. The Expanding Sky

“وَالسَّمَاءَ بَنَيْنَاهَا بِأَيْدٍ وَإِنَّا لَمُوسِعُونَ” (الذاريات: 47)

This verse speaks of the vastness of the sky, reflecting the idea that the Earth and the sky form a complete cosmic system. The expansiveness of the sky can be understood in the context of a spherical Earth, where the round shape allows for a wide space around it. The relationship between the Earth and the sky emphasizes the harmony and balance in creation.

3. The Mountains as Pegs

“وَأَلْقَى فِي الْأَرْضِ رَوَاسِيَ أَنْ تَمِيدَ بِكُمْ” (النحل: 15)

This verse refers to mountains as pegs that stabilize the Earth, suggesting that the Earth is not flat but has a spherical shape with diverse topography. The presence of mountains helps to maintain the balance of the Earth’s crust, which is essential for the stability of life. This stability is crucial for the inhabitants of the Earth, further supporting the idea of a well-structured, spherical planet.

4. The Creation of Humanity

“الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ مِنْ نَفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيرًا وَنِسَاءً” (النساء: 1)

This verse indicates that humanity came from a single soul, reflecting the idea of unity and completeness in creation. This aligns with the concept of a spherical Earth where people live all around the globe, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity. The spherical shape of the Earth allows for diverse cultures and communities to thrive, all originating from a common source.

5. The Surface of the Earth

“وَإِلَى الْأَرْضِ كَيْفَ سُطِحَتْ” (الغاشية: 20)

As mentioned earlier, the term “سُطِحَتْ” (flattened) is often misunderstood by some to imply that the Earth is flat. However, it can be interpreted as an invitation to reflect on the surface of the Earth and its various features, not necessarily indicating a flat shape. The use of the word encourages contemplation of the Earth’s diverse landscapes, which can be appreciated more fully when considering its spherical nature.

Conclusion

These verses, along with others in the Quran, contain references to the roundness of the Earth through descriptions of natural phenomena and the interaction between night and day, as well as the balance in the creation of the Earth and mountains. Understanding these meanings requires deep contemplation of the texts and the contexts in which they were revealed, emphasizing the importance of a thorough understanding of the Arabic language and the Quran.

Therefore, the call to reflect and contemplate the meanings of the Quran, and to understand the Arabic language more deeply, is an invitation for anyone seeking knowledge and wisdom. By engaging with these texts thoughtfully, we can appreciate the profound insights they offer about our world and existence.